CARACAS Feb 15 (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas
Maduro on Monday unexpectedly named a moderate business leader
as the country's economy vice president, replacing a hard-line
socialist who lasted only a month amid the OPEC nation's
deepening economic crisis.

Miguel Perez, former head of an industry association,
becomes economy czar as Venezuela suffers a severe recession,
scarcity of food and medicine, a currency crash on the black
market and inflation forecast to hit 720 percent this year by
the International Monetary Fund.

Seen as more inclined towards reform than his outgoing
predecessor Luis Salas, Perez has sought dialogue with
Venezuela's private sector and has also spoken of the need to
eventually unify Venezuela's multiple exchange rates.

"I have decided to name the minister for industry and
commerce, companion Miguel Perez, as the new vice president for
productive economy," Maduro said during a short evening
television address, saying Salas had left due to family reasons
but would continue working with the government.

Despite Perez's apparent pragmatic stance, it remains
unclear if his appointment will signify a shift in policies.
Maduro said he would make announcements on Tuesday, but did not
provide details.

Economists expressed skepticism over the choice, saying it
was too little, too late.

"For an economic adjustment to be successful, many things
are needed," said local economist Henkel Garcia on Twitter. "Two
of those are competence and credibility. Both are in short
supply."
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